This release was issued under a previous government.
“When I met with Lubicon Lake Band Chief Billy Joe Laboucan and Council last fall, I made the resumption of the land claim negotiations one of my top priorities. That is why I applaud the appointment of Ralph Peterson, the new federal negotiator for this long-standing land claim.
“This claim has been unresolved for too long and taking action now is the best way to ensure the Lubicon Lake Band gets the settlement they deserve to thrive and flourish as a community.
“Our province has a tradition of successful land claim negotiations as it has settled 13 treaty land claims since 1986. However, the settlement of the Lubicon Lake Band land claim is an opportunity of historic proportions. Alberta remains ready and willing to meet our obligations to provide Crown lands for Lubicon reserves.
“Today’s announcement shows a real commitment to working in a collaborative way so that we can reach a negotiated settlement that is fair and equitable to all parties.”